The response from the Centre came in direct reply to a letter from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had raised serious concerns about the handling of sexual violence cases in the country and demanded the introduction of more stringent central laws to address these issues. The timing of Banerjee's appeal is significant, coming in the aftermath of the harrowing rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This tragic event has not only shocked the nation but has also intensified calls for a more rigorous and effective legal framework to combat sexual violence.
In her letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mamata Banerjee highlighted the alarming frequency of rape cases across India, noting that approximately 90 such incidents are reported daily, many of which tragically end in murder. She argued that the current legal provisions are insufficient and called for a more stringent central law to ensure harsher punishments for perpetrators. This plea reflects growing public frustration and urgency in addressing the crisis of sexual violence that has plagued the country.
The Centre's reply, delivered by Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi, took a firm stance against the West Bengal government. The Union government criticized West Bengal for its failure to operationalize the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) allocated under a centrally sponsored scheme. These courts are intended to expedite the resolution of sexual offense cases and reduce the backlog of pending cases. According to the Centre, West Bengal had been allocated 123 FTSCs, including 20 exclusive POCSO courts and 103 combined FTSCs for handling both rape and POCSO cases. However, as of mid-2023, none of these courts had been operationalized, despite the state’s commitment to start at least seven FTSCs.
The response from the Union government further detailed that, under a revised target, West Bengal had been allocated 17 FTSCs, of which only six exclusive POCSO courts were operational by June 2024. This situation is particularly concerning given the significant backlog of 48,600 cases related to rape and POCSO offenses in the state. The Centre's letter emphasized that while the existing legal framework is robust, effective implementation of these laws and the central government’s initiatives depend on the active engagement and commitment of state governments.
Annapurna Devi’s letter underscored the broader issue of state responsibility in implementing central schemes and ensuring the safety and security of women. The criticism extended to West Bengal's failure to activate crucial emergency helplines such as the Women Helpline, Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), and Child Helpline. These systems are vital for providing immediate support to victims and preventing further violence.
The letter also conveyed a stern message to the West Bengal government, urging it to fully leverage the legal and schematic provisions available to create a safer and more secure environment for women and girls. The Centre's response highlights the ongoing challenges in coordinating efforts between state and central authorities to tackle issues of sexual violence effectively.
This exchange between the Centre and West Bengal reflects a broader debate about the effectiveness of current measures to combat sexual violence and ensure justice for survivors. It underscores the need for greater accountability and action at both the state and national levels to address the crisis of sexual violence in India. The situation continues to evolve as both the state and central governments work to address the pressing issues raised by the recent tragedy and ongoing public outcry.
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